Improved Curving Performance for Two-Axle Rail Vehicles With Actuated Solid Wheelsets Using H∞ Control

Application of active suspension on passenger vehicles has engaged many vehicle dynamics specialists in recent years. The technology can be used for different purposes including improving comfort, stability or wear behavior. Despite these benefits, industries do not yet find these technologies attractive enough. One reason is that the achieved benefits do not pay back for itself since the vehicle will become more expensive. Therefore, more steps should be taken to make active suspension attractive. One such a step can be using active suspension for resolving classical limitations in rail vehicle dynamics. An example of this is a non-bogie rail vehicle with two axles. One of the problems associated with these vehicles is their short axle distance limiting the length of the vehicle. The short axle distance is partly for limiting wheel-rail wear. This paper describes how to reduce wheel wear through achieving better wheelset steering in curves so that longer axle distances can be allowed. Wheelset steering is performed by H∞ control strategy.